Modern generosity from business to the breakfast table

IN THIS EMAIL

• What the One Big Beautiful Bill Act means for charitable givers
• How AI can improve our stewardship 
• Find one family rhythm for back-to-school

What H.R. 1, One Big Beautiful Bill Act, means for charitable givers

If your family gives generously and relies on tax-efficient giving strategies, your plans may be affected by a few significant changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law in July. 

Here’s what you need to know. 

Increased standard deduction 

The standard deduction will increase for this year, 2025, and remain at this new level in future years (adjusted for inflation). 

The 2025 standard deduction is now: 

• $15,750 for individual filers 

• $31,500 for joint filers 

New floor on charitable deductions 

Starting in 2026, taxpayers may only claim a charitable tax deduction for qualified donations in excess of 0.5% of their adjusted gross income (AGI). 

Example: If your 2026 AGI is $100,000, you may only deduct the portion of your charitable donations that exceeds $500. If you donate $10,000 to charity, you may deduct $9,500. 

New universal charitable deduction 

Beginning in 2026, taxpayers who do not itemize may claim a universal charitable tax deduction in addition to the typical standard deduction: 

• Up to $1,000 for individual filers 

• Up to $2,000 for joint filers 

Note: Donor advised fund contributions do not qualify for this deduction. 

New limit on the value of tax deductions 

Starting in 2026, the marginal value of itemized deductions will be capped at 35 cents for each additional $1 deducted, even for taxpayers in the 37% tax bracket threshold. 

This is not a cap on the total amount you may deduct, but it limits the tax benefit per dollar deducted. 

Permanent charitable deduction limit 

For cash gifts to public charities, individual donors may deduct up to 60% of their AGI. Excess amounts may be carried forward for up to five years. 

Note: This includes gifts to donor advised funds. For noncash appreciated assets, different limits apply. 

Visit our blog to find more details and start planning how your family can adjust to keep maximizing how you give. 

How AI can improve our stewardship 

“Properly directed, AI already helps doctors catch cancers earlier, teachers tailor lessons for struggling students, and farmers grow more with less water and fertilizer, while also accelerating research on diseases and clean energy.” 

Depending on who has the microphone, artificial intelligence could be a dead end, a threat, or the promise of a better world. 

For Christians, perhaps it is a tool to pursue our calling to solve the world’s greatest problems. 

From the Institute for Faith, Work, and Economics, writer Taylor Barkley offers a few encouraging tips on using AI with a kingdom mindset. 

Choose one of these family rhythms for back-to-school 

Back to school. Here we are again. 

New seasons often bring new hopes, challenges, and opportunities for connection. This is true no matter your age or your kids’ ages. This fall, I encourage you to consider introducing one or two small family rhythms that build your relationships and keep things fun. 

For example: 

Kids at home? Weekly family calendar meetings. 

The school year is busy! When my kids were in upper elementary, I realized the calendar I diligently managed was only visible to me; my kids had no idea what to expect week to week. We posted a chalkboard calendar in the kitchen and instituted a Sunday evening discussion to review it together. 

Young adult kids? Memorize scripture together. 

Pick a monthly, quarterly, or annual Bible verse/passage to memorize as a family. You could use a tool like Dwell Differently or choose your own verses. Make it a game, offer prizes, get creative! 

Empty nest? Weekly family call. 

Block a time on everyone’s calendar. With one kid in high school, one in college, and another in grad school, we do this on Sunday evenings. Whether it’s 5 minutes or 25 minutes, it’s good to see each other and share what’s happening. 

No kids? Invest in others like they’re yours. 

When my daughter went to college last year, she was tremendously blessed by a sweet alumna who “adopts” kids each year. She has created a family of students to invest in through tailgates, finals-week-dinners, and miscellaneous coffees. 

Look for ways to invest in young people around you. Check with your church, local school or library, national ministries like Awana, or families you already know. Your perspective and time are priceless! 

I’ve listed more ideas in my back-to-school blog post. Find it here: thesignatry.com/blog/back-to-school-rhythms-for-purposeful-families/

With you on your journey,

Kristin Hammett

Vice President, Family Generosity Services